NFC South stock up, down: Derek Carr's big day, Drake London's vanishing act and more
Atlanta's two-headed monster in the backfield and Tampa Bay's opportunistic defense were positives in Week 1, but the Panthers wide receivers and Saints offensive line raised concerns. Here's whose stock is up and down in the NFC South:
Stock up
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons running back: Atlanta's backfield apparently is big enough for Allgeier and 2023 first-round pick Bijan Robinson after all. In the 24-10 win over Carolina in Week 1, the backs combined for 177 yards rushing and three touchdowns, including two fourth-quarter TDs by Allgeier, who led the backfield in touches (18). While there was some concern over his role diminishing, Allgeier's usage in the opener shows he won't be neglected.
Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints quarterback: The defense was the star of New Orleans' 16-15 win over the Titans, holding quarterback Ryan Tannehill to a career-low passer rating (28.8). Among free-agent signings, Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (two interceptions, one forced fumble) had the best debut in the division. But Carr showed why New Orleans has faith in him to lead it back to the postseason, as offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. put the ball in his hands on a pivotal third down late in the fourth quarter.
Needing six yards to ice the game with 1:55 remaining, Carr launched a 41-yard pass to speedster Rashid Shaheed.
"[Carmichael] showed us that he trusts us, and we've gotta keep proving to him every week that we can earn that," said Carr.
Carr finished 23-of-33 for 305 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He ranks eighth among quarterbacks in expected points added (5.4) entering Monday.
Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety: Winfield was huge in the Bucs 20-17 win over the Vikings, forcing an early sack-fumble and recovering the ball, leading to a Chase McLaughlin field goal.
The Bucs were outgained 369-242 and averaged only 3.6 yards per play. Tampa Bay needs its defense to make plays to stay in the division race. Winfield, in his first game of a contract year, showed why the unit might be up to the task.
Stock down
Drake London, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver: Last season, tight end Kyle Pitts vanished after a promising rookie season. This season, it's apparently London's turn. Pitts averaged 60.4 yards per game as a rookie but only 35.6 yards per game in 2022. After one game, London is on pace to go even lower.
The former Southern Cal wideout only managed one target in Atlanta's 24-10 win, a far cry from his average of 6.9 targets per game last season. He can only go up from here, but Week 1 showed the climb is steep.
New Orleans Saints offensive line: The Saints escaped Week 1 with a win, but this unit is a major concern. Running back Jamaal Williams gained zero yards before contact, per Pro Football Focus, and quarterback Derek Carr was routinely under pressure in the first half. In Week 2, the Saints play at Carolina, which has a relentless pass rush that sacked Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder four times Sunday.
Carolina Panthers wide receivers: The remade wide receiver room in Carolina didn't have a good Week 1, with the team's top four receivers — Terrace Marshall Jr., Jonathan Mingo, Laviska Shenault Jr., Adam Thielen — going 8-of-15 on their targets for 68 yards in a 24-10 loss to the Falcons. The job won't get any easier for the group in Week 2 against the ferocious Saints pass defense that kept the Titans in check Sunday.
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